84R1773 GRM-D

By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 38

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to creation of an employment-first task force advisory committee.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.02449 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.02449. EMPLOYMENT-FIRST TASK FORCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) In this section:

(1) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.

(2) "Task force" means the interagency employment-first task force established under Section 531.02448.

(b) The task force shall establish an advisory committee to make recommendations for increasing and expanding postsecondary educational opportunities and access for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

(c) The presiding officer of the task force, after consulting with the task force, shall name the members of the advisory committee. The advisory committee:

(1) may not:

(A) consist of more than 11 members; or

(B) include members of the task force; and

(2) must at least include the following members:

(A) an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(B) a family member of an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(C) an advocate for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities;

(D) a representative of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities;

(E) a representative of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services;

(F) a representative of the Department of Aging and Disability Services;

(G) a representative of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;

(H) a representative of the Texas Workforce Commission;

(I) a representative of the Texas Education Agency; and

(J) a representative of an institution of higher education.

(d) A member of the advisory committee serves at the will of the task force.

(e) The advisory committee shall elect a presiding officer of the committee.

(f) The advisory committee established under this section shall:

(1) set appropriate outcomes and goals;

(2) survey institutions of higher education for:

(A) programs that serve individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and

(B) plans to provide or interest in providing those programs;

(3) research existing programs in and model programs outside this state;

(4) propose expansion options for existing programs or the implementation of new programs, including potential funding options for those programs;

(5) determine regional deficiencies;

(6) leverage existing private and nonprofit efforts and partnerships;

(7) periodically make recommendations to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and institutions of higher education regarding action the entities should take to increase postsecondary opportunities and access for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and

(8) make recommendations on legislative policy changes affecting postsecondary education for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

(g) Not later than September 1, 2016, the advisory committee shall prepare and submit to the office of the governor, the legislature, and the executive commissioner a report regarding the committee's findings and recommendations.

(h) A member of the advisory committee established under this section is not entitled to compensation. Members may be reimbursed for expenses as follows:

(1) a member described by Subsection (c)(2)(A), (B), or (C) is entitled to reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses as provided in the General Appropriations Act; and

(2) a member appointed as a representative of a state agency is eligible for reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses according to the applicable agency's policies.

(i) The commission and the health and human services agencies shall provide administrative support and staff to the advisory committee established under this section.

(j) This section expires September 1, 2017.

SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2016, the presiding officer of the employment-first task force shall appoint the members of the advisory committee under Section 531.02449, Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2015.